Utility component briefcase

Abstract

A component carrying case has a plurality of individual storage compartments that are covered by sliding transparent sheets. An interior component box which also contains individual storage compartments with sliding covers lies within the case and is attached to a three-leaf hinge configuration that enables the interior component box to swivel from one side of the case into the other without interfering with the opening or closing of the case.

Having described the within invention, I claim: 
     
       1. A carrying case for small articles comprising: a first half-case;   a second half-case configured to mate to said first half-case to form a closed case;   each said half-case containing a plurality of divided storage compartments;   an interior container nesting between said first and second half-cases when said half-cases are in the mated position, said interior container having at least one storage compartment; and   hinging means joining one edge of each half-case and a side of said interior container such that both half-cases and the interior container may move about the same hinge axis without interference.   
     
     
       2. The device of claim 1 wherein the hinging means further comprises: a first hinge-leaf assembly fastened to said first half-case;   a second hinge-leaf assembly fastened to an edge of said second half-case; and   a third hinge-leaf assembly interposed between said first and second hinge-leafs, said third hinge-leaf assembly having a foot for attachment to said interior container; and   a hinge pin joining together said first, second, and third hinge-leafs.   
     
     
       3. The device of claim 2 wherein the first hinge-leaf is a continuous hinge-leaf with sections cut away to enable said third hinge-leaf assembly to lie in the same plane as said first hinge-leaf assembly when the entire case and hinge is in the closed position. 
     
     
       4. The device of claim 2 wherein said first hinge-leaf is comprised of a plurality of discrete hinge-leaf sections, said second hinge-leaf means is comprised of a plurality of discrete hinge-leaf sections, said third hinge-leaf means is comprised of a plurality of discrete hinge-leaf sections, and said discrete hinge-leaf sections are arranged along the hinge pin in a regular repeating series. 
     
     
       5. The device of claim 1 further comprising a sliding lid built into at least one of said half-cases, covering at least one storage compartment and configured to slide approximately parallel to the major plane defined by the shape of the interior space of the carrying case. 
     
     
       6. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one sliding cover covering at least one compartment within said interior container and configured to slide in a plane parallel to the major plane of the space defined by the carrying case.